You can close most Chase accounts online through your account settings, but some account types require a phone call or branch visit

Chase lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. Log into your Chase account, go to your profile or account settings, find the option to close the account, and follow the prompts. The process takes a few minutes, but Chase will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you're leaving.

Not every account closes online. If you have a credit card, investment account, business account, or a checking account with an outstanding balance or pending transactions, you'll need to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person. Chase also won't let you close an account online if there's a dispute or hold on it.

Before you close anything, make sure your account balance is zero or that you've arranged to withdraw or transfer the money. Chase won't close an account with money still in it. You should also set up direct deposit or payment arrangements with any employer or creditor that sends money to that account, because once it's closed, deposits and payments will bounce.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through your Chase account settings if there are no holds, disputes, or pending transactions.
  • You must have a zero balance before closing; Chase will not close an account that still holds money.
  • Credit cards, business accounts, and investment accounts require a phone call to 1-800-935-9935 or a visit to a Chase branch.
  • Update your direct deposit and automatic payments before closing so money doesn't get sent to a closed account.
  • Keep your account number and routing number for your records in case you need to dispute a transaction after closing.

What happens to pending transactions when you close your account

If you close your account while a check, ACH transfer, or debit card transaction is still processing, that transaction can still go through after the account is closed. Chase will try to honor it, which means the bank may cover the amount temporarily and then charge you an overdraft fee, or the transaction will bounce and the sender will get a return notice.

Before you close, check your recent transactions and wait for any outstanding checks or transfers to clear. If you're not sure whether something is still pending, call Chase or log in and look at your transaction history. Pending transactions usually show a different status than completed ones. Give yourself at least five to seven business days after your last expected transaction before closing.

If a transaction bounces after you close your account, the sender (your employer, a creditor, or a person who sent you money) will see a return code. They may resubmit the payment to a new account if you give them the updated information, or they may charge you a fee for the returned payment. This is why notifying anyone who regularly sends you money is critical.

Steps to close your account online through Chase's website or app

Open your Chase account on the website or mobile app and sign in. On the website, go to your profile or settings menu—this is usually in the top right corner or under a menu labeled "Profile" or "Account." On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and look for "Settings" or "Profile."

Look for an option that says "Close Account," "Manage Accounts," or "Account Services." Chase's layout changes, so if you can't find it immediately, use the search function or call customer service. Once you find the option, select the account you want to close from the list of your accounts.

Chase will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask you to select a reason (such as "moving to another bank" or "no longer needed"). Answer the questions and review the confirmation screen. Chase will tell you the account will be closed and may mention any remaining steps, such as transferring money out first if there's a balance.

After you submit, you'll get a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Chase will send you an email confirming the closure. The account will close within one to three business days, though it may take longer if there are pending transactions.

When you must call or visit a branch instead

Chase requires a phone call or branch visit to close credit cards, because credit card accounts have different rules than deposit accounts. Call 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to close your credit card. They'll confirm your identity, check for any balance, and process the closure. If you have a balance, you'll need to pay it off first or set up a payment plan.

Business accounts, money market accounts, and investment accounts also cannot be closed online. The same phone number works for these, or you can visit a Chase branch with your ID and account information. If you have a joint account, both account holders may need to be present or to authorize the closure in writing.

If your account has a hold placed by Chase (usually because of suspected fraud or an unresolved dispute), you cannot close it online. Call customer service to find out why the hold is there and what you need to do to remove it before closing. If the hold is related to a legal matter or tax issue, you may need to resolve that first.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits before closing

Any automatic payment set up to come out of the account you're closing will fail once the account closes. This includes utility bills, insurance premiums, loan payments, subscription services, and any other recurring charge. Contact each company or service and update your payment method to a new account, credit card, or payment method before you close.

If your employer or a government agency (such as Social Security or unemployment) deposits money into the account, give them your new account number and routing number at least two weeks before you close. If you don't, the deposit will bounce and you may face a delay in receiving your money. Some employers require you to update this information through their payroll system; others let you do it online or by phone.

Make a list of every automatic payment and deposit tied to the account. Go through your last three months of statements to find anything you might have forgotten. Once you've updated everything, wait a full pay cycle or billing cycle before closing to make sure the new information is working.

How to transfer money out before closing

If you have money in the account, you must move it before closing. You can transfer it to another Chase account you own, to an account at a different bank, or withdraw it in cash at a Chase branch or ATM.

To transfer to another bank account, log into Chase and look for "Transfer Money" or "Send Money." You'll need the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will ask you to verify the transfer, and it will take one to three business days to complete. If you're transferring a large amount, Chase may flag it for review, which can add a day or two.

To withdraw cash, visit a Chase branch or ATM. ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit, usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your account type, so if you have more than that, you may need to make multiple withdrawals or go to a branch and withdraw over the counter. A branch withdrawal is instant.

What happens after your account closes

Once your account is closed, you can no longer use the debit card, checks, or online access. Any checks you've written that haven't cleared will bounce. If someone tries to deposit a check from your closed account, it will be returned to them.

Chase will keep a record of your closed account for your file. If you need to dispute a transaction that happened before the account closed, you can still contact Chase and file a dispute. Keep your account number and any confirmation numbers from the closure in case you need them later.

If you had overdraft protection or a linked savings account, those links will be removed. If you had alerts set up, they'll stop working. Chase will not reopen the account unless you contact them and request it, and even then, they may decline if too much time has passed or if there were issues with the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I close my account but a check I wrote hasn't cleared yet?

The check will bounce when it reaches Chase, and the person who received it will get a return notice. They may try to redeposit it, but it will bounce again because the account is closed. Contact the person and give them your new account information so they can ask you for payment another way, or write them a new check from your new account.

Can I reopen a Chase account after I close it?

Chase may let you reopen an account within a short window after closing, but policies vary. Call customer service to ask. If too much time has passed or if there were problems with the account (such as fraud or repeated overdrafts), Chase may decline to reopen it or may require you to wait a set period before opening a new one.

Do I need to close my account in person if I have a large balance?

No. You can transfer a large balance online to another account, withdraw it in cash at a branch, or request a cashier's check. There's no rule that large balances require a branch visit to close the account itself, only that the account must have a zero balance before closing.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because these accounts don't appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card can affect your score because it reduces your available credit, but closing a deposit account has no impact.

How long does it take for a closed account to stop showing up in my Chase app?

The account usually disappears from your active accounts list within one to three business days, but it may remain visible in your account history or archived accounts for your records. You can still access transaction history from the closed account if you need it for disputes or tax purposes.